On May 12-13, 2025, the UI GreenMetric Ecuador National Workshop was held at the campus of Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) in Loja, Ecuador. The event brought together academic leaders, researchers, sustainability practitioners, and representatives from universities across the country, all committed to advancing environmental responsibility and integrating sustainability into higher education.

The workshop opened with a welcoming ceremony featuring prominent figures in higher education and diplomacy. Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari, President of UI GreenMetric, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of regional engagement within the GreenMetric network. Dr. Juan Manuel García, Director General of Institutional Evaluation and Quality at UTPL, emphasized the strategic role universities must play in responding to global sustainability challenges. Also present were Dra. María del Rosario de Rivas, Acting Rector of UTPL, and Sr. Agung Kurniadi, Ambassador of Indonesia to Ecuador, whose presence further reinforced the spirit of international cooperation underpinning the event.

As the host institution, UTPL played a key role in facilitating the success of the workshop. Through its hospitality, expert coordination, and active participation, UTPL exemplified what it means to lead by example. The university’s on-campus initiatives and contributions to the workshop content highlighted its long-standing commitment to sustainable development.

The workshop continued with a series of structured sessions designed to deepen understanding of the UI GreenMetric indicators and promote practical strategies for implementation across Ecuadorian universities. The first session introduced the UI GreenMetric framework, with a presentation outlining the methodology, purpose, and potential impact of the rankings. This provided a valuable foundation for universities new to the network, and helped establish a common language for sustainability planning across institutions.

As the workshop progressed, participants engaged in a rich, interconnected dialogue that followed the structure of the UI GreenMetric criteria, which served as a guiding framework throughout the day. These criteria not only assess university sustainability performance globally but also act as a roadmap for institutions looking to implement impactful change on their campuses.

The conversation began with topics related to Setting and Infrastructure, Energy, Climate Change, and Waste—core components of UI GreenMetric’s environmental indicators. Universities shared real-world strategies for reducing their ecological footprint, including UTPL’s transition to renewable energy and pioneering research in sustainable construction materials using recycled waste. These examples underscored how thoughtful infrastructure planning and resource management can make a tangible difference in environmental performance.

This naturally led into a discussion of Water Management, Transportation, and Sustainability in Education and Research. Presenters explored how universities are advancing efficient water systems, promoting sustainable mobility, and embedding environmental awareness into academic programs and campus culture. From case studies on transportation behavior to long-term biodiversity research, it became clear that operational improvements must be complemented by education and knowledge-building to cultivate long-lasting change.

Building on these foundations, the workshop turned to the role of Governance and Sustainability-Driven Research in fostering systemic transformation. Institutions highlighted how integrating sustainability into institutional planning is unlocking new opportunities for innovation in areas like bioeconomy, agribusiness, and circular resource use. These efforts are not only aligned with national development goals but also with the broader sustainability agenda set forth by UI GreenMetric.

The final session explored Social Innovation and Sustainable Economic Models, showcasing how universities are turning academic insight into community impact. UTPL and its partners presented initiatives that blend research, entrepreneurship, and local collaboration—empowering agribusiness ventures, supporting green start-ups, and demonstrating how campus-based innovation can directly support economic resilience and environmental stewardship.

Together, these sessions illustrated how the UI GreenMetric framework serves not just as a benchmarking tool, but as a catalyst for integrated sustainability planning across all dimensions of university life. By aligning their efforts with these global indicators, Ecuadorian universities are strengthening their role as sustainability leaders—fostering transformation that reaches far beyond the classroom and into the heart of their communities.

Throughout the day, the workshop created a space for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual inspiration. Participants exchanged ideas and forged connections that are expected to extend beyond the event itself, helping to shape long-term partnerships and national strategies.

In a landmark move that underscores Ecuador’s growing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, nine higher education institutions from across the country have officially joined the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network. This declaration of membership, made during a recent workshop, marks a significant step forward in aligning Ecuadorian academia with global efforts to create a more sustainable future.

The nine Ecuadorian institutions that signed the declaration are:

1. Instituto Superior Universitario Sucre

2. Universidad Tecnológica Israel

3. Universidad Politécnica Salesiana

4. Universidad Nacional de Loja

5. Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena

6. Universidad Central del Ecuador

7. Universidad Católica de Cuenca

8. Universidad Indoamérica

9. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Alquimia

The UI GreenMetric Ecuador National Workshop was more than just a conference—it was a landmark moment in Ecuador’s sustainability journey. It reflected the determination of its universities to take an active role in solving pressing environmental challenges through innovation, collaboration, and education. We are happy to announce that this effort will continue as the Universidad Tecnológica Empresarial de Guayaquil (UTEG) will serve, as the host of the UI GreenMetric National Workshop 2026, further strengthening Ecuador’s leadership in this global sustainability movement.

UI GreenMetric looks forward to supporting this momentum in Ecuador and across Latin America. As the global network continues to grow, we invite more institutions to join us in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for higher education.

Written by: Riska Putri Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric

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